Spaghetti alla Carrettiera with a Twist

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) spaghetti 350g (12 oz) spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced 1/4 cup pitted black olives, sliced
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Pecorino Romano cheese (for garnish) Grated Pecorino Romano cheese (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 62g, 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the capers and black olives, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
7. 7.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Capers — Rinse and drain the capers before using to remove excess saltiness.
• Pecorino Romano cheese — Use freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Experiment with different types of olives to find your favorite combination.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Spaghetti alla Carrettiera in individual pasta bowls, garnished with extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, twirl the spaghetti onto a fork and gently place it in the center of the pasta bowl. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top and sprinkle some chili flakes for a pop of color. Place a small bunch of fresh parsley on the side for an elegant touch.